FamiSwipeWhat to do with kids when it's raining
A rainy day doesn't have to mean a day in front of screens. With a few ideas ready to go, it can even become a favourite day. Here are activities for home and for outings, sorted by age, so you're never caught off guard.
At home: easy, low-prep ideas
Build a fort
Blankets, chairs, cushions and a flashlight: that's all it takes. The fort can then become a reading nook, a picnic spot or a movie theatre.
Arts and crafts
Painting, play dough, collage with old magazines, building with recycled boxes. Cover the table, prepare the materials before calling the kids, and focus on the process, not the result.
Cooking together
Muffins, cookies, homemade pizza: kids love measuring, pouring and mixing. It's also a sneaky math lesson.
Indoor treasure hunt
Hide small objects or clues around the house. For non-readers, use drawings or photos as clues.
Board games and puzzles
A great way to spend time together. Choose games suited to the youngest so everyone can play, or form teams mixing ages.
Indoor movement
Rain makes kids restless. A dance party, an obstacle course with cushions, yoga for kids or a balloon game help burn off energy.
Going out: rainy-day destinations
- Public libraries: free, with children's sections, and often story times or activities on weekends.
- Museums: many have hands-on areas for kids. Some offer free-admission days.
- Indoor play centres: ideal for young kids who need to run. Check age limits and socks rules.
- Indoor pools: municipal pools often offer family swim times at a low price.
- Climbing gyms, bowling, trampoline parks: good options for older kids and teens.
- Science centres and aquariums: a special outing that works in any weather.
And why not go outside?
With good rain gear, a rainy walk can be a real adventure: jumping in puddles, watching worms, listening to the rain under the trees. A light rain is rarely a problem for kids who are well dressed. Plan dry clothes and a hot drink for the return.
Ideas by age
- Toddlers (1 to 3): water play in the bathtub, stacking, simple sensory bins with rice or pasta.
- Preschoolers (3 to 5): fort, painting, play dough, short library visit.
- School-age (6 to 11): cooking, treasure hunt, museum, building projects.
- Teens: climbing gym, baking challenge, a movie marathon they choose.
Plan ahead
Keep a list of rainy-day ideas on the fridge and a small box with craft supplies, a new puzzle or a game you take out only on rainy days. The surprise effect works every time.
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→ Discover FamiSwipeParents ask
What are free rainy day activities for kids?
Public libraries, home crafts, forts, board games, indoor obstacle courses and, with good rain gear, a puddle walk.
Where can I take kids on a rainy day?
Libraries, museums, indoor play centres, municipal pools, science centres and climbing or trampoline parks for older kids.
How do I keep kids active indoors?
Try a dance party, a cushion obstacle course, kids' yoga or balloon games to burn off energy.
Where can I find family activities near me?
Open FamiSwipe: in seconds it shows free and paid family activities around you, based on your kids' ages.